68th Vanamahotsava observed in Manipur ; Forest Dept needs public support : Shyamkumar
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, July 07 2017:
The 68th 'Vanamahotsava' organised by the Forest Department was observed across the State today.
On the occasion, the Forest Department planted around 1.3 lakh tree saplings at 10 districts crossing the set target of 1 lakh tree saplings.
It has a target to plant around 10 lakh tree saplings in the month of July.
During the first week of every July, 'Vanamahotsava' � the festival of forests is observed across the country.
Since the inception of the festival in 1950, by the then Union Minister for Food and Agriculture (late) Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi, the festival is observed every year throughout India .
The Forest Department organised 'Vanamahotsava' observation at Yairipok Top Chingtha under Andro Assembly Constituency .
Speaking to mediapersons, Forests and Environment Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar said that the Forest Department alone cannot save the environment and needs whole hearted public support.
Expressing concern over the change in temperature and unnatural calamities across the globe, he said that, 'Vanamahotsava' conveys the message that there is a need to plant more trees to support the eco-system .
Shyamkumar said that the State faces flood like situation at the slightest rainfall due to silting of river beds caused due to various reasons including deforestation.
He said the State Government plans to dredge the riverbeds in the valley area to solve the problem.
He also showed concern over the rampant use of chemical fertilisers in the State .
The Minister further said that planting tree saplings alone is not enough, as "we need to protect the trees/plants for the future generations." Urging the people to plant more trees to save planet earth, Shyamkumar said protecting the trees/plants lies in the hands of each citizen.
He said to make the initiative successful, public support is a necessity .
Along with other officials and volunteers, the Minister planted varieties of tree saplings as a part of the observance.
Around 7,300 saplings were planted at Top Chingtha .
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF) K Angami; RK Srivastava, IGF, Project Elephant, Govt of India; L Baite, Additional PCCF; officials of Forest Department, locals of Yairipok Top Chingtha and volunteers attended the observance .
Shyamkumar along with the Forest Department officials also planted saplings at Kheba Ching, at Khongjom, Thoubal district.
The Forest Department planted around 1,000 saplings at Kheba Ching.
Different varieties of tree saplings were planted at six locations in Thoubal district today .
The Forest Department also organised 'Vanamahotsava' at Tekcham, Kakching district under the theme "one lakh tree plantation programme".
As part of the observance, Shyamkumar planted saplings and inaugurated office of the Ningshing Lup Tekcham cum reading room.
The observance was also widely held at the surroundings of Nongmaijing Ching Reserve Forest area at Mahadev Ching and Khalong.
Around 3,600 tree saplings were planted at the two locations.
Later, Shyamkumar distributed free saplings to the women vendors at Samumakhong, Khwairamband Keithel.